Volunteers bring new energy to Dublin skating rink 

Joyful shouts and laughter blend with upbeat music as some kids roll quickly and some slowly find their footing on Dublin Community Club’s skating rink. 

In May, committed volunteers just completed their season of weekly Friday and Saturday night open skates to provide local kids with a supervised place for fun.  

However, those volunteers aren’t getting a summer vacation. They are still offering a few special events, skate lessons and facility rentals for birthday parties and other gatherings.  

Jimmy Lawrence, board president, is pleased that word about the club’s offerings have spread throughout Wayne County and beyond since it reopened to the public a little over a year ago.

Extensive cleaning, painting and remodeling began in October 2022 that led to the club’s closure until February 2023.  

Some new volunteers became actively involved in that project and have remained so. They didn’t want to see the club close after longtime volunteer Mike Buckland, who largely supervised its activities, died unexpectedly in October 2022. 

Those new volunteers remain inspired by volunteer Margurite Clark, who remains engaged after giving more than 55 years to the club. Although she stepped down from the board in recent years, Lawrence said Clark is still the club’s queen, and the board gathers regularly at her home. Clark’s daughter, Ellen Clark, is the board’s treasurer.      

The club, adjacent to Dublin’s Wilson Park, now draws interest from residents of New Castle, Connersville and Centerville areas who appreciate the cozy venue and its affordable prices.   

“That’s exactly what we wanted,” he said. 

For instance, the club had 25 private party rentals in February alone.

Some Saturday night skates this season drew about 40 participants, and the Valentine’s event brought in about 70. Attendance, especially on Friday nights, varied based on school activities. 

Guests pay $5 for their entry fee and skates. Lawrence said they’re trying to keep it a safe place for kids to hang out with their friends from various schools. 

Kristen Morefield, who works at Northeastern schools, said she enjoys spending time with kids at the rink in a less structured environment. 

She’s board secretary and her husband, Chris, is vice president. The Morefields and many other area residents have donated labor, funds and/or supplies to give the building a fresh look and refresh its programs.  

And, recent key donations from Reid Health Community Benefit, Wayne County Foundation and Whitewater Valley REMC helped make it possible to replace two furnaces/air conditioners in May. After failing last summer, the new units will keep the main room cool and save money through energy efficiencies. Each unit costs about $9,000. 

However, work to maintain the building never stops, and thousands of dollars still need to be raised for several projects to take place. 

Some goals include resolving a drainage issue along the side of the building, replacing flooring in the bathroom, kitchen and the lounge, and the heating/cooling unit.  

The concession area is a busy place where kids can play games, buy refreshments, chat with friends and rest before rolling again.

The skating floor itself is concrete because the wood was damaged years ago because of a water issue and removed. Although a formal quote has not yet been obtained, Lawrence has heard it likely would cost $100,000.   

Hank Fields, 5, of Dublin, has been taking lessons since last Halloween and their family comes to the club about every weekend, said Hank’s mom, Bethaney Fields. 

“He wanted to learn how and now he’s a really good skater for his age,” Bethaney said, praising Chris for his teaching skills. 

Chris started coming to the club when he was a toddler, and it was the location for milestone celebrations such as his 18th birthday and engagement parties. He and his parents volunteered through the years. After some time away from the club, the Centerville resident felt the need to get involved again when the reorganization began. 

“I’ve had a lot of fun with it,” Chris said.   

On a recent Friday, Lynn Parker brought his 9-year-old son, Maverick Parker, for their first visit just for skating. Maverick has been to birthday parties at the club, but might try skating lessons to build his skills for future visits.  

Lynn said he appreciates volunteers operating the club, especially during cold weather, because it’s “really good for the kids and keeps them out of trouble.” 

“I’m grateful we have something like this around here,” Lynn said. “Without this, we just have the park.”